Chapter Five: Board Policies

Number:	5.001	Legal Authority:	RCW 28B.50.100
Title:	Mission, Vision and Values policy	Implementation Date:	9-13-2018
Contact:	Board of Trustees	Revisions:	5-9-2019, 11-9-2023, 3-13.2025

The Board of Trustees expects that Centralia College will be a mission-focused institution and that, while the overall work of the college is very broad, particular attention will be paid to the key mission focus areas as described below. The mission statement serves as the foundation of the college’s policy governance structure and articulates the institution’s purpose and commitment to student learning and achievement. The mission statement reflects the ways in which the college gives focus and direction to its values and works to fulfill its vision.

Mission Statement

Centralia College is committed to student success, academic excellence, and supporting our community in an inclusive and equitable learning environment.

Values Statement

At Centralia College we value:

• Student success
• Quality education and services
• Equity and inclusion
• Our diverse communities
• Stewardship and sustainability

Vision Statement

Centralia College strives to be a responsive educational leader for our community.

Mission Focus Areas

The Board of Trustees expects that the college will monitor progress toward fulfillment of its mission on an annual basis, as described in the Mission Fulfillment Policy. The annual monitoring process will address the following Mission Focus Areas:

• Student Success: Centralia College students will progress, persist, and complete their educational endeavors.
• Academic Excellence: Centralia College students will accomplish well-defined educational and program goals relevant to future success.
• Supporting Community: Centralia College will engage our communities in educational, recreational, and cultural opportunities while demonstrating equity, stewardship, and sustainability.

The Board of Trustees directs the president and college personnel to monitor and report on performance data related to these mission focus areas on an annual basis.

Number:	5.002	Legal Authority:	RCW 28B.50.100
Title:	Governance Statement	Implementation Date:	9-21-2000
Contact:	Board of Trustees	Revisions:	12-17-2019 , 6-11-2026

The purpose of the Board of Trustees is to serve as a liaison between the college and the community and to help assure that the college serves the needs of the community. As fiduciaries of the institution, trustees provide oversight and stewardship of the college’s mission, resources, and long-term success. Based on their knowledge and experience, the Board supports fulfillment of the college mission.

Number:	5.003	Legal Authority:	RCW 28B.50.100
Title:	Governance Commitment	Implementation Date:	9-21-2000
Contact:	Board of Trustees	Revisions:	12-17-2019

The board of trustees shall govern Centralia College in accordance with the United States and Washington State Constitutions, and the Community and Technical College Act of the State of Washington. The board shall always act in the best interest of the college and the community as a whole. The board commits itself to excellence in the performance of its duties.

Number:	5.004	Legal Authority:	RCW 28B.50.100
Title:	Governing Style	Implementation Date:	9-21-2000
Contact:	Board of Trustees	Revisions:	12-17-2019, 6-11-2026

The board shall govern with an emphasis on outward vision and provide strategic leadership. The Board shall encourage diverse viewpoints and maintain a future oriented perspective rather than focus primarily on past or present concerns. It shall maintain a clear distinction between the roles of the Board and President. The board shall make collective rather than individual decisions and should strive to be proactive.

Accordingly, the board shall:

• Deliberate in many voices but govern in one.
• Be responsible for excellence in governance and policy initiative.
• Direct, control, and inspire the college through careful establishment of broad written policies reflecting the board’s values and perspectives. The board’s major policy focus will be on the intended long-term impacts of the college, not on the administrative or programmatic means for attaining those effects.
• Enforce upon itself whatever discipline is needed to govern with excellence. Discipline will apply to matters such as attendance, preparation for meetings, policy making principles, respect of roles, and ensuring the continuity of governance capability.
• Monitor and discuss the board’s process and performance at least annually. Self- monitoring will include comparison of board activity and discipline to policies in the Governance Process and Board-Staff Linkage categories.
• Continual board development shall include, but not be limited to, orientation of new members to the board’s governance process, periodic board discussion of process improvement, and attendance at state and national trustee conferences.
• Develop policy in the context of college and community needs. The board shall use environmental scanning to ensure continued awareness of changing needs.

Number:	5.005	Legal Authority:	RCW 28B.50.100
Title:	Board Job Description	Implementation Date:	9-21-2000
Contact:	Board of Trustees	Revisions:	2-13-2020, 6-11-2026

A Centralia College Trustee should demonstrate a commitment to higher education and the mission of Centralia College; understands the distinction between board governance and college administration and support established governance policies;  reside within the Centralia College service area; maintain a demonstrated connection to the communities served by Centralia College; regularly attend board meetings, special meetings, and other official board functions necessary to fulfill governance responsibilities; and remain informed about community and workforce needs while supporting strategic decisions that advance student success and community impact.

Be willing to:

• Attend regular monthly meetings
• Attend special meetings that may be called
• Attend State trustee conferences and workshops
• Attend college functions as your schedule allows
• Understand the master facilities plan and look to the future
• Attend graduations
• Participate in Centralia College foundation events
• Learn and understand the different functions of the college
• Be able to listen without judgement
• Willing to work as a team with the other trustees
• When able, attend national trustee conferences
• Serve on a committee at the state trustee organization (if possible)
• Visit our East Campus at Morton
• Be able to serve on a board subcommittee (not used very often)
• Serve as chair, vice chair of the board when your turn comes up
• Read all the reports submitted for board meetings and be prepared for the meeting
• Speak with law makers about issues impacting the college

Serving as a trustee for Centralia College is both a privilege and public responsibility.  Board members work alongside dedicated educators, staff, students, and community leaders in advancing the mission of Centralia College.

Number:	5.006	Legal Authority:	RCW 28B.50.100
Title:	Bylaws	Implementation Date:	9-21-2000
Contact:	Board of Trustees	Revisions:	9-14-2005, 1-9-2020, 6-11-2026

Name - The name of the governing board of Centralia College shall be the “Board of Trustees of Community College District Twelve,” commonly referred to as the “Board of Trustees.”

Membership and Appointment - The board is composed of five members appointed by the Governor of Washington State for five-year terms, with consent of the Senate.

Removal - No member of the board shall be removed except as prescribed in RCW 28B.50.100.

Powers and Duties. - The form and composition of the board, its duties and powers are prescribed in RCW 28B.50.100, RCW 28B.50.140 and RCW 28B.50.142.

Officers - The officers of the board shall be chair, vice chair, secretary and treasurer. The chair and vice chair shall be members of the board; the secretary shall be the college president; the treasurer shall be the chief financial officer of the college.

• Chair - The role and duties of the chair is prescribed in Governance Policy GP-5.
• Vice Chair - The role and duties of the vice chair is prescribed in Governance Policy GP-5.
• Secretary - The secretary is responsible for the accuracy of board documents; certifies the integrity of the minutes and other board documents; and maintains and safeguards all board documents. The secretary shall make the legally required notifications of all board meetings. The office of the secretary shall be the official office of the board and shall be the location of all board documents.
• Treasurer - The role and duties of the treasurer are prescribed in RCW 28B.50.142 and RCW 28B.50.143

Election of Officers - The board shall elect the chair and vice chair annually at the regular June meeting of the board. Terms of office shall begin July 1 and continue for one year or until a successor is elected.. Successors shall be elected to hold office if there is an unexpired term.

Attendance - Trustees are expected to attend all regular and special meetings of the Board. Repeated unexcused absences may be grounds for the Board to request consideration of replacement by the appointing authority.

Quorum - A quorum requires a minimum of three board members.

Passing Vote - A passing vote requires a minimum of three board members.

Committees - Committees are subject to Governance Policy GP-6.

Regular Meetings - Regular meetings of the board shall be held monthly unless canceled by the board or the chair of the board. At the annual board planning retreat meeting each year, the board shall adopt a schedule of regular meetings for the ensuing calendar year. The secretary shall file this schedule with the State Code Reviser for inclusion in the Washington State Register.

Special Meetings - The chair, or any three members of the board, may call a special meeting at any time after giving twenty-four hours’ notice. The agenda and order of business may be different from regular meetings. However, the board may take action only on items listed on the agenda.

Study Sessions – The board may conduct study sessions, workshops, retreats, or information meetings to receive information, discuss issues of interest, and support Board development and planning.  

Public Meetings and Executive Sessions. Board meetings shall be open to the public except when the Board convenes executive sessions. Action may be considered and proposed in executive session, but official action shall be taken only in public meeting.

Minutes - Minutes are a legal record of board meetings. At a minimum, they shall contain:

• Date, time, location, and attendance
• Motions and official actions taken by the Board
• Receipt of monitoring reports and Board responses
• Information and options presented for Board decisions
• Educational and ownership communication activities
• Other matters demonstrating Board diligence and oversight
• Statements entered into the record at the request of a trustee
• Certification by the Secretary

Order of Business - The Chair may modify the order of business as necessary to facilitate efficient conduct of Board meeting. The normal order of business shall be:

• Call to Order and Attendance
• Introductions/Presentation
• Open Forum Procedures
• Consent Agenda
• Minutes
• Policy Governance
• Trustee Reports
• President’s Report
• Reports to the Board
• New Business
• Old Business
• Executive Session
• Action from Executive Session
• Announcement of Next Meeting Date and Place
• Adjournment

Rules of Procedure - Except as otherwise specified here, or as required by law, the chair shall conduct board meetings according to Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised.

Agenda - At least seven working days before each meeting the chair of the board shall submit to the secretary the agenda for the next meeting. Meeting agendas and supporting materials shall be distributed to trustees sufficiently in advance of the meeting to permit informed review and deliberation. Distribution may occur electronically or by other appropriate means.

Public Comment - Impromptu comments or questions by members of the public may be presented at any meeting of the board consistent with the provisions of Chapter 42.30 RCW, the open meetings act. The chair shall have the right to limit the time of any presentation.

Complaints - Complaints or charges against a public officer or employee shall be heard in executive session.

Number:	5.010	Legal Authority:	RCW 28B.50.100
Title:	Board Chair's Role	Implementation Date:	9-21-2000
Contact:	Board of Trustees	Revisions:	12-17-2019, 6-11-2026

The chair serves as the leader and facilitator of the Board’s governance process. The chair is responsible for ensuring the integrity of Board process and, when appropriate, representing the Board to external parties. No individual trustee, including the Chair, may speak on behalf of the Board except as authorized by Board action, Board policy, or law.

The Chair’s primary responsibility is to ensure that the Board conducts its work in a manner consistent with Board policy, applicable law, and sound governance practices.

• Meeting content shall focus on those issues that focus on matters that are within the Board’s authority and responsibilities.
• Deliberation will be fair, open, and thorough, but also efficient, timely, orderly, and focused on the issues before the Board.

The authority of the chair consists of making decisions that fall within the topics covered by board policies on Governance Process and Board-Staff Linkage, except where the board specifically delegates portions of this authority to others. The chair is authorized to use any reasonable interpretation of the provisions in these policies.

• The chair is empowered to chair board meetings with all the commonly accepted power of that position, i.e., ruling, recognizing, and agenda-setting.
• The chair has no authority to make decisions about policies created by the board within Ends and Executive Limitations policy areas. Therefore, the chair has no authority to supervise or direct the president.
• The chair may represent the board to outside parties in announcing board- stated positions and in stating chair decisions and interpretations within the area delegated to him or her.
• The chair may delegate authority, but remains accountable for its use.

In the absence of the chair, the vice chair shall assume the responsibilities of the chair.

Number:	5.011	Legal Authority:	RCW 28B.50.100
Title:	Budget Oversight	Implementation Date:	1-9-2020
Contact:	Board of Trustees	Revisions:	6-11-2026

The Board of Trustees reserves the authority to set policies for and review the financials and associated status for the College at a frequency determined by the Board.  With respect to the Board’s actual and continuous fiduciary responsibility, and the college’s financial health.

The President will promote fiscal integrity, protect institutional assets, maintains compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and advances Board-approved priorities.

Accordingly, the Board expects the following:

• The President will present an annual operating budget to the Board of Trustees for approval no later than the May Board meeting. In the case that a new budget cannot be presented by the May meeting, the Board may pass a resolution at the regular June meeting or at a special meeting on or before June 30 extending the current year’s operating budget for a specified number of months; at the end of the specified period, the Board will take action on a new budget.
• The President will provide the board with regular financial reports and budget updates throughout the fiscal year. These presentations may be presented as part of the written monthly Board report, as a presentation or oral report during a regularly scheduled Board meeting, or during a scheduled study session. Budget presentations should address budget structure, revenues, expenses, and any other financial factors likely to have a significant impact on the fiscal health of the college or its programs.
• The President will notify the Board of Trustees of any significant potential or actual budget cut to state-funded or contract-funded programs. Significant cuts will be defined as cuts of $100,000 or more within the general operating budget; however, smaller cuts may also be considered significant if they constitute a substantial percentage of the operating budget for a specific program or service.
• In exercising its budget oversight authority, the Board may approve or reject the annual budget as presented by the President; may direct the President to assure that the budget sufficiently addresses the stated goals and priorities of the Board; however, the Board will not exercise any line item vetoes on specific items within the budget. The Board may defer action on the budget and may direct the President to reconsider or revise specific items.
• The President shall maintain sufficient reserve funding to maintain operation of the college in case of fiscal uncertainty or other emergencies. As a general guideline, sufficient reserves should be defined as three months of operating expenses; consideration should also be given to providing for continuity of operations with regard to unforeseen natural or manmade disasters, as well as unplanned capital repair and replacement.

Number:	5.012	Legal Authority:	RCW 28B.50.100
Title:	Board Committees	Implementation Date:	9-21-2000
Contact:	Board of Trustees	Revisions:	12-17-2019, 6-11-2026

Board committees, when used, shall operate to minimally interfere with the wholeness of the board’s job and never to interfere with delegation of authority from the board to the president. Committees will be used sparingly. 

Number:	5.013	Legal Authority:	RCW 28B.50.100
Title:	Planning & Agenda	Implementation Date:	9-21-2000
Contact:	Board of Trustees	Revisions:	12-17-2019

The board examines their goals each year and makes their determination on mission fulfillment. The board shall follow an annual agenda that:

• Completes a re-exploration of goals and accomplishments annually, and
• Continually improves its performance through attention to board education and communication, feedback, and deliberation.

Accordingly, the board shall hold an annual planning retreat to prepare the annual agenda.

Number:	5.014	Legal Authority:	RCW 28B.50.100
Title:	Board Evaluations	Implementation Date:	9-21-2000
Contact:	Board of Trustees	Revisions:	12-17-2019, 6-11-2026

The board of trustees shall conduct an annual self-evaluation.

Number:	5.015	Legal Authority:	RCW 28B.50.100; RCW 42.30; RCW 42.52
Title:	Board Members' Code of Ethics	Implementation Date:	9-21-2000
Contact:	Board of Trustees	Revisions:	11-9-2017, 5-13-2022

The Centralia College Board of Trustees is committed to demonstrating ethical and lawful conduct in the execution of its duties. Each Trustee will adhere to appropriate ethical standards; in addition, the Board makes clear its expectation that the administration and employees of Centralia College act in an ethical and lawful manner in representing the college and completing their daily work.

• In fulfilling their official duties, Board members must keep the interests of the college and the fulfillment of its mission as the top priority.
• Board members must avoid any conflict of interest with respect to their fiduciary or policy-making responsibilities; if a Board member has an unavoidable conflict of interest on a specific issue that comes before the Board, that member will recuse himself or herself from both the deliberations and any vote or Board action on that issue.
• Members will disclose any association which might produce a conflict of interest; all Board members will comply with public disclosure requirements as outlined by the Washington Public Disclosure Commission.
• Board members will observe the provisions of the Washington Open Public Meetings Act (RCW 42.30).
• The Board of Trustees will act with one voice; while open exchange of ideas and opinions is expected as part of the deliberation process, official action is reserved for the Board acting as a body. Board members may not attempt to exercise individual authority over the organization, except as specifically set forth in Board policy.
• When interacting with the public, the media, or other entities, Board members will recognize appropriate limits on the ability of any one Board member to speak on behalf of the full Board or the college
• Interactions between individual Board members and the president or staff must recognize the lack of authority in any individual Board member to take official actions or to specifically influence the operations of the college.
• Board members must not use their position to obtain employment or other specific benefits from the organization for themselves, family members or close associates.
• Members will respect the confidentiality appropriate to any issues of a sensitive nature, particularly those items considered under Executive Session.
• Members shall ensure that public funds are spent wisely and legally, including those that relate to their expenses. Expenses shall be authorized, legitimate, direct and reasonable expenses of trusteeship.
• Board members will comply with all relevant legal requirements, including RCW 42.52: Ethics in Public Service.

The Board will make clear its expectations for ethical and lawful behavior on the part of college administration and staff by the adoption of appropriate policy, by official action on the part of the Board, and by example.

Number:	5.016	Legal Authority:	RCW 28B.50.100
Title:	Policy Review	Implementation Date:	10-11-2018
Contact:	Board of Trustees	Revisions:	11-9-2023, 6-11-2026

The Board of Trustees expects that Centralia College will be governed by clear and published policies and procedures. To that end, the Board establishes the following guidelines for the development, review, revision, and elimination of college policies.

• The Board will establish and periodically review Board Policies, typically on a five-year cycle. Board policies shall articulate the Board’s expectations, governance principles, and direction for the operation of the college.
• The college will establish and regularly review Administrative Policies to outline official rules and practices. These procedures may apply to college employees, students, or members of the public conducting business with the college.
• The Board shall be informed of the adoption, revision, or repeal of Administrative Policies at the next regular meeting or as soon as practicable.

Number:	5.017	Legal Authority:	RCW 28B.50.100
Title:	Trustee Travel	Implementation Date:	9-21-2000
Contact:	Board of Trustees	Revisions:	1-9-2020, 6-11-2026

The college shall provide funding within the operating budget for trustee education and travel related to board responsibilities.

As part of the annual budget development process, the board shall communicate its education and travel needs to the president for the following year.

Trustee travel and related expenditures shall comply with applicable college procedures and state law.

Number:	5.020	Legal Authority:	RCW 28B.50.100
Title:	Board/President Relationship	Implementation Date:	9-21-2000
Contact:	Board of Trustees	Revisions:	1-9-2020, 6-11-2026

The Board’s relationship with Centralia College, including oversight of institutional performance and operations, shall be exercised through the president. 

This does not preclude board members from participating in college activities.

Number:	5.021	Legal Authority:	RCW 28B.50.100
Title:	President’s Role	Implementation Date:	9-21-2000
Contact:	Board of Trustees	Revisions:	1-9-2020, 6-11-2026

The president serves as chief executive officer of the college and is accountable to the Board.

The Board shall establish direction through written policies and, delegates to the president the authority and responsibility to interpret and implement those policies in compliance within the boundaries of ethics, laws, and regulations.  

Number:	5.022	Legal Authority:	RCW 28B.50.100
Title:	Delegation to the President	Implementation Date:	9-21-2000
Contact:	Board of Trustees	Revisions:	1-9-2020, 6-11-2026

The Board delegates authority and accountability for college operations to the president through Board policies and strategic goals. 

• The Board shall define the results to be achieved and establish limitations on executive authority through policy. Within those policies, the president is authorized to make decisions, establish practices, and procedures, and take actions necessary to operate the college.
• The president may reasonably interpret and implement Board policies, unless otherwise directed by the Board.
• The Board may revise its policies at any time, thereby shifting the boundary between Board and president responsibilities. By so doing, the Board changes the latitude of choice given to the president. While a delegation is in place, the Board and its members shall respect and support the president’s choices.
• Only decisions of the Board acting as a body are binding upon the president. Individual trustees have no authority to direct the president or college employees unless specifically authorized by Board action.
  • In the case of Board members requesting information or assistance without Board authorization, the president may refer the matter back to the Board for consideration.

Number:	5.023	Legal Authority:	RCW 28B.50.100
Title:	Executive Limitations	Implementation Date:	9-21-2000
Contact:	Board of Trustees	Revisions:	2-18-2016, 2-13-2020, 6-11-2026

Board Policy EL-1:  General Statement

The president shall not cause or allow any practice, activity, decision, or condition that is unlawful, unethical, imprudent, or that places the college’s accreditation, assets, or reputation at unreasonable risk.

The president shall ensure compliance with applicable federal and state law, regulatory requirements, and board policy.

Board Policy EL-2, Items 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10: Treatment of People

The president shall not cause or allow conditions that result in unfair, unsafe, unlawful, or discriminatory treatment of students, employees, volunteers, or members of the public.

The president shall ensure that due process protections are provided as required by law and board policy.

The president shall not retaliate or permit retaliation against any person for raising ethical, legal, or policy concerns in good faith.

The president shall maintain accessible processes for grievances and appeals, including a pathway for unresolved allegations of board policy noncompliance to be brought to the board.

The president shall protect academic freedom for faculty and students within applicable law and board policy.

Board Policy EL 3:  Compensation and Benefits

The president shall not establish or administer compensation or benefit practices for employees, consultants, or contract workers that are unlawful, violate state ethics requirements, or place the college’s fiscal integrity at unreasonable risk.

The president shall not implement compensation or benefit practices that create material reputational risk to the college.

Board Policy EL-4:  Budgeting and Financial Planning

The president shall not develop or recommend budgets that materially deviate from Board Ends priorities, are based on unreasonable assumptions, or place the college at risk of fiscal instability.

The president shall not allow expenditures that exceed reasonably projected revenues and available fund balances without board authorization.

The president shall ensure that the budget includes adequate funding to support board governance functions, including audit requirements, board development, board travel, and other board-authorized expenses.

The president shall develop budgets using reasonable financial projections and transparent assumptions.

Board Policy EL-5:  Financial Control and Spending Authority

The president shall not cause or allow fiscal conditions that place the college at risk of insolvency or material deviation from Board Ends or board-approved priorities.

The president shall not expend funds in excess of board-approved budgets without prior board authorization.

Board Policy EL-6:  Asset Protection and Risk Management

The president shall not allow college assets—physical, financial, or informational—to be unprotected, inadequately maintained, or exposed to unreasonable risk.

The president shall maintain appropriate safeguards against theft, loss, fraud, misuse, and casualty.

The president shall not expose the college, the board, or employees to unnecessary legal or liability risk.

The president shall ensure financial controls sufficient to meet audit standards and applicable legal requirements.

The president shall ensure that investments are made only as authorized by Washington State law.

The president shall not acquire, encumber, or dispose of real property outside board-approved facility plans.

The president shall maintain appropriate emergency preparedness and disaster response planning to protect college operations.

The president shall protect college property, systems, and information from loss, damage, or misuse.

Board Policy EL 7:  Commmunication and Support to the Board

The president shall ensure that the Board of Trustees receives timely, accurate, and relevant information necessary for governance, oversight, and decision-making.

The president shall provide monitoring data that is accurate, understandable, and directly responsive to board policies and executive limitations.

The president shall promptly inform the board of significant risks, legal matters, policy noncompliance, material changes affecting the college, and other issues that may substantially affect institutional performance or obligations.

The president shall report actual or anticipated noncompliance with board policy.

The president shall not provide information that is knowingly inaccurate, misleading, or incomplete.

The president shall recognize that authority resides only with the board acting as a body and shall not treat individual trustee requests as binding direction.

The president shall maintain clear and consistent processes for official communication between the Board of Trustees and the president.

The president shall inform the board if systemic issues in board policies or board-president relations are, in the president’s judgment, materially affecting governance effectiveness.

 

Board Policy EL 8:   Emergency Executive Succession

To ensure continuity of leadership in the event of sudden loss of presidential services, the president shall maintain at least two qualified executive staff members who are sufficiently informed about board governance processes and institutional operations to serve in an interim leadership capacity.

Board Policy EL9:  Naming of Facilities

Authority and criteria for naming or renaming college facilities are governed by Board Policy 5.040, Naming of Facilities.

Board Policy EL10:    Tenure

Number:	5.024	Legal Authority:	RCW 28B.50.100
Title:	Monitoring Presidential Performance	Implementation Date:	9-21-2000
Contact:	Board of Trustees	Revisions:	1-9-2020, 6-11-2026

The board shall evaluate the president’s performance based on compliance with board policies, achievement of mission outcomes, advancement of strategic goals, and fulfillment of the president’s job description and contract.

Monitoring of presidential performance shall be continuous and may be conducted through internal reports, external reports, or direct observation.

The president shall provide timely, accurate, and relevant data necessary for the board to determine compliance with board policies and expected outcomes.

The board shall inform the president of any identified areas of noncompliance and shall conduct a formal evaluation of the president at least annually.

Number:	5.025	Legal Authority:	RCW 28B.50.100
Title:	Acting President	Implementation Date:	9-21-2000
Contact:	Board of Trustees	Revisions:	1-9-2020, 6-11-2026

The college shall not be left without authorized executive leadership.

When the president is temporarily unavailable, the president shall designate a qualified vice-president or senior executive to serve as acting president.

Such acting appointments shall be limited to short-term absences, not to exceed 30 consecutive working days.

For shorter absences, or when the president is available by phone or email, refer to the 1.005 Administrator in Charge policy. 

For absences exceeding 30 consecutive working days, the board shall be notified and must take action to ensure continuity of executive leadership.

Number:	5.030	Legal Authority:	RCW 28B.50.100 & RCW 28B.50.852
Title:	Tenure	Implementation Date:
Contact:	Board of Trustees, President's Office	Revisions:	10-2-2019

The Board of Trustees reserves the authority to grant or deny tenure.

Number:	5.031	Legal Authority:	RCW 28B.50.100
Title:	Emeritus, President or Trustee	Implementation Date:	9-8-2016
Contact:	Board of Trustees	Revisions:	12-17-2019, 6-11-2026

Emeritus status is an honorary designation recognizing distinguished service by  a retiring or retired Centralia College President or Trustee.

Emeritus status does not confer compensation, employment responsibilities, or operational authority.

Requirements

Eligibility is based on significant and sustained service to the college and demonstrated commitment to the college’s mission and community. Emeritus status may be granted by a majority vote of the Board of Trustees following nomination by a board member.The Board of Trustees retains authority to confer or withdraw emeritus status at its discretion. Individuals granted emeritus status may:

• Be identified as “President Emeritus” or “Trustee Emeritus” in appropriate college publications
• Use the emeritus title in professional and community contexts
• Receive invitations to appropriate college events, including commencement and receptions

Number:	5.032	Legal Authority:	RCW 28B.50.100
Title:	Emeritus Status	Implementation Date:	12-7-2016
Contact:	Board of Trustees	Revisions:	12-17-2019, 9-11-2025

Emeritus is a designated honorary status intended to recognize the distinguished contributions of a retiring or retired Centralia College employee. Emeritus status shall not entitle the holder to any remuneration, formal associated responsibilities, or compensation other than what is provided for in this procedure. Emeritus status does not take effect until after an employee has retired.

Criteria

• Any retiring or retired faculty member, administrative officer (i.e. Vice President, Dean, Director), or Classified staff member with a long-term record of employment service with Centralia College may be eligible for emeritus status. Typically, long-term service is defined as ten years or more, though the committee may recommend exceptions in favor of other criteria.
• Record of commitment to the College.

• Record of commitment to the community.
• Record of professional excellence.

Nomination and Approval

In spring of each year, Human Resources will send out a notification to all College employees of the process and timeline for emeritus nominations including a nomination form. Emeritus nominations shall be submitted to the Human Resources office. An emeritus committee consisting of VP of HR, two faculty members, two admin/exempt employees, and two classified employees. The VP of Human Resources and Legal Affairs will serve as an ex officio member of the committee.  Committee members will serve a two-year term. A member in good standing may be reappointed to the committee for a future term after being off the committee for two or more years.  

The committee will review the recommendations and submit a written recommendation to the President. The President's Office will then forward the recommendations to the Board for consideration and approval.  After Board action, the President (or designee) will notify individuals who have been approved by the Board of their emeritus status.

Rights and Privileges

• The awarding of emeritus status means the individuals name and title, followed by emeritus distinction will be placed in the college catalog and other publications as appropriate.
• The individual may use the title “Emeritus” on community and professional activities.
• The individual is entitled to use a college issued email address, following procedures outlined by Centralia College Information Technology Services Department.
• The individual will receive invitations to college receptions and similar events including commencement.
• Any retiring or retired President

Number:	5.033	Legal Authority:	RCW 28B.50.100, EL-9
Title:	Honorary Degrees	Implementation Date:	11-12-2015
Contact:	Board of Trustees	Revisions:	12-17-19, 6-11-2026

The Board of Trustees retains sole authority to confer honorary degrees in accordance with applicable state law.

Honorary degrees may be awarded to individuals in recognition of distinguished contributions to education, scholarship, the arts, sciences, public service, or other forms of significant achievement consistent with the mission of the college.

Honorary degrees shall not be awarded in exchange for financial contribution, gifts, or other consideration.

Faculty input shall be included in the nomination and review process prior to board action.

Honorary degrees are awarded at the discretion of the Board of Trustees and require formal board approval.

Honorary degrees may be awarded posthumously or in absentia.

Procedure

• Nominations for an honorary degree may originate from the Board, President, Administration, Faculty, Staff or Students or from the community at large and should be sent to the Vice President - Instructions office before April 15th in the year the degree is sought to be awarded.
• An Honorary Degree Committee made up of the Department Chairs and the Vice President Instruction as an Ex Officio member, will meet and review any nomination that has been submitted and seek input from the faculty as required by statute.
• The Honorary Degree Committee may consider the following examples of when an Honorary Degree may be merited.
  • An exceptional student who has died before completing their degree.
  • A civic leader who has made an extensive contribution to the college through their actions in volunteering, mentoring or other endeavors but not "the payment of money or the donation of any kind of property".
  • A person who has made a substantial contribution to "education, literature, art or science".
  • A person who has contributed substantially to the quality of life and learning of the students of the college.
  • In rare cases a person who, as a living example of leadership or community service, represented the core values of the college over an extensive period of time.
• The Honorary Degree Committee will forward their recommendation along with all written comments from the faculty to the President to be delivered to the Board of Trustees.
• Honorary degrees will generally be conferred at Commencement, and may be awarded posthumously or in absentia. Few, if any, honorary degrees should be granted in any one year.
• The Board of Trustees shall consider the recommendations of the Honorary Degree Committee and the submitted comments and any other factors they deem appropriate and then, in their sole discretion and by their vote, authorize the granting of such honorary degrees as they decide are truly merited.
• The President shall then notify the recipient, and arrange for their opportunity to be present and suitably attired to receive the degree. In the case of a deceased recipient, a designee shall be determined by the Board (e.g. a member of the recipient's family, spouse, partner or friend), to receive the degree on the recipient's behalf.

Number:	5.034	Legal Authority:	RCW 28B.50.100, EL-9
Title:	Naming of Facilities	Implementation Date:	9-21-2000
Contact:	President	Revisions:	8-19-2014, 12-17-2019, 6-11-2026

The Board of Trustees shall approve the official names of all college facilities or buildings.

The president may, assign temporary working names to college facilities, as needed for operational purposes, pending Board approval of official names.

The Board shall be informed of any temporary naming actions in a timely manner.

Number:	5.035	Legal Authority:	Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3); RCW 28B.50.140.8
Title:	Data & File Sharing with the Foundation	Implementation Date:	10-14-2021
Contact:	Associate Vice President of Advancement	Revisions:

Centralia College has an ongoing working agreement with the Centralia College Foundation, which is a separate 501(c)3 organization. Specific elements of the agreement are detailed in the quid pro quo document that is signed by both the College and the Foundation. As part of the quid pro quo agreement, the College needs access to some Foundation records and budget information, in order to provide specific services to Foundation employees, such as payroll and human resources functions, among others. However, it is the policy of Centralia College that Centralia College Foundation files—and most specifically donor files—are the sole property of the Foundation. College personnel will not access Foundation-owned files or documents without the knowledge and permission of the Centralia College Foundation. Further, it is the policy of the College that college employees not specifically employed by the Centralia College Foundation will only access documents and files needed to perform specific functions on behalf of the Foundation, such as payroll and benefits management, or specific financial services, as outlined in the quid pro quo agreement.